Sunday, April 3, 2011

The Case for Reforming Criminal Background Checks in Employment

Today, Americans with criminal records are at a crossroads. A substantial portion of our population—some 65 million people, more than one in four U.S. adults—have an arrest or conviction record, and most large employers now perform background checks. As a result of employers’ misuse of these background checks, millions of workers have had the door of opportunity slammed in their faces.

Many job ads include language like this: “No exceptions! No misdemeanors or felonies of any type ever in background.” People with records, ready and willing to work, can’t find jobs to support their families and contribute to their communities.

The National Employment Law Project's new report, 65 Million "Need Not Apply:" The Case for Reforming Criminal Background Checks for Employment," provides a wake-up call to America about the harsh reality that confronts workers with arrest and conviction records every day.

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About Me

Born and raised in St. Louis. In 1987 started Take Five Magazine, a pro-active, community-based, investigative publication. Operated for 15 years. Hired as Metro columnist with the St. Louis Post Dispatch in 2002. Brought Bill Cosby to town, debated Bill O'Reilly and wrote a column that saved a baby's life. After leaving the Post-Dispatch in 2009, started working with SmileyBooks as a consultant and writing contributor. Founded When We Dream Together, a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing urban communities in 2011. In 2012, began "The Sweet Potato Project," a summer program aimed at teaching "at-risk" youth entrepreneurial skills. Students planted sweet potatoes that they turned into a viable, marketable product-a sweet potato cookie. Currently running both nonprofits, working as a freelance writer and consultant and about to enter the self-publishing arena.

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